BOARD & STAFF

What PAWS does would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our team. Each manager, staff person and board member plays a role in helping each Assistance Dog Team be successful.

PAWS BOARD

Executive Committee

Sara Osterman, Board Chair
Anne Barea, Vice Chair
Amanda Boyd, Treasurer
Molly Koroleski, Secretary

Full Board

Anne Barea
Amanda Boyd
Christina Elmore
Shelley Irwin
Scott Johnson
Molly Koroleski
Val Lego
Sara Osterman
Chris Pucci
Kyle Pung
Faye Richardson-Green
Adam Russo
Jeff Salowitz
Dave Smith
Toyia Turner
Jessica Ann Tyson
Babette Burleigh
Gina Schremser
Kevin Hurn

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PAWS MANAGEMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, Michele Suchovsky

An experienced nonprofit leader, Michele has served for 15 years as executive director of two nonprofit organizations, the first an arts and disability organization and the second an education organization. In these roles, she helped to grow both organizations into thriving nonprofit agencies impacting the lives of children and adults throughout West Michigan. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation (GRSAF), a strategic fundraising partner of the Grand Rapids Public Schools that advances education opportunities for all students in the district. Prior to her career in nonprofit management, Michele served as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Honorable George R. Corsiglia in Allegan County and as an Associate Attorney at Straub, Seaman & Allen. Michele received a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and a B.A. from The University of Michigan. In March of 2018, Michele was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Michele believes that all people should have the right and opportunity to live independent, full lives and that PAWS is a critical resource for helping people to find and maintain independence.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, Teri Crosby

Teri directs and coordinates PAWS’ financial management according to standards accepted in the United States. She directs and prepares financial analyses of operations for the guidance of management and the Board of Directors. Teri also manages multi-state tax filings, quarterly and year-end tax filings. She has over 25 years of finance experience. Teri pursued her undergraduate studies at Aquinas College in Accounting/Finance. Her previous career experience includes Beene Garter and Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Cummins, P.C.

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PAWS STAFF

Office Staff

Sidney Baxter, Communications Manager
Kristy Blackmore, Special Events Manager
Mary Blain, Volunteer Liaison
Kim Blozinski, Mail Room Clerk/Administrative Assistant
Becky Canale, Client Relations Manager
Tony Clementi, Canine Production Manager
Meaghan Cook, Development & Database Coordinator
Kelly Crabb, Human Resources Director
Catherine Hutchins, Annual Fund Manager
Andrea Kelly, Executive Assistant
Maribeth Laansma, Client Relations Associate
Sara Markman, Donor Engagement Specialist
Teresa Newmarch, Leadership and Legacy Giving Director
Paula Pasma, Development Operations Specialist
Carina Quirin, Graphic Designer
Chris Schwallier, Client Relations Associate
Carrie Simmons, Advancement Director
Pam Yano, Field Representative Network Coordinator

Training Staff

Kirstin Allan, Staff Trainer
Crystal Snyder, Certified Animal Trainer- US Department of Labor, Training Manager
Maddison Smith, Certified Animal Trainer- US Department of Labor, Staff Trainer
Heather Brower, Trainer Assistant
Brandon Burkett, Trainer Assistant
Lexi Petrovich, Trainer Assistant
Tiffany Wass, Trainer Assistant

Canine Staff

Dawn Bohan, Breeding Program Coordinator
Megan DeGraaf, Foster Puppy Trainer
Kilee Fisk, Breeding Canine Care Specialist
Linda French, Client Services Representative, Southeast Michigan
Debby Gaylor, Breeding Administrative Assistant
Mike Hanna, Canine Flow and Purposeful Placements
Lauren Harkema, Early Puppy Development Coordinator
Cindy Holmes, Prison Programs Coordinator
Liz Hood, Foster Puppy Curriculum Coordinator
Dawn Hunter, Foster Puppy Assistant, Southeast Michigan
Ellen Martin, Field Representative Trainer
Wendy McIntosh,  CEC Building Veterinary Administrative Assistant
Nikki Messenger, Canine Care & Kennel Support
Carrie Payson, CEC Kennel Supervisor
Brie Stark, Canine Care & Volunteer Team Member
Julie Thorington, Volunteer Engagement and Foster Puppy Coordinator
Elise Tillman, Field Representative Trainer
Mckenzie Vander Weide, Canine Care & Volunteer Team Member
Donna Venner, CDF Building Receptionist
Laurie Volpe, Field Representative Trainer
Ashley Ward, Canine Care Specialist
Kelly Wass, Purposeful Placements Coordinator

Animal Care Staff

Carol Homann, DVM
Nicole Hall, Veterinary Assistant
Becca Mele, Veterinary Technician
Torei Nation, Groomer
Elizabeth Ritchie, DVM
Melissa Trendt, Veterinary Technician

Building Care Staff

Kevin Thiel, Building Care Supervisor
Ruby Alvarado
Ricky Alvarado-Castro
Gladiola Alvarado-Castro
Yoni Alvarado-Castro
Leonardo Alvarado-Martinez
Jacob Kamphouse
Allison Lake
Hailey Wilcox

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